by Adam Shear
TEMPLE - Three people in Temple have been displaced from their house after a fire partially destroyed their home Friday morning and killed five of their pets.
According to the Temple Fire Department, fire crews responded to a house fire call in the 1700 block of Choctaw Dr. at 11:00 p.m.
A father and his child escaped the home as the fire roared and were outside when firefighters arrived. Crews battled the blaze for 10 minutes before they were able to get it under control.
After the flames had settled, it was discovered that four dogs and a cat were inside the home during the fire and as a result died. The department says the animals were most likely killed by smoke inhalation.
The Temple Fire Department says that the damage to the house was mostly limited to one bedroom, but there was additional smoke damage throughout the rest of the home. It is estimated that there is $50,000 worth of damage.
Fire investigators believe the fire was unintentionally started by the child misusing a lighter.
The two adults and child who were displaced by the fire are currently staying with relatives.
